道教「房中術」實踐指南

The Art of SexIt reflectsTaoism「Harmony between man and natureThe philosophy behind this concept is that the human body is a microcosm, resonating with the macrocosm of the universe. Through the practice of sexual techniques, one can achieve harmony between humanity and nature.

Preparation

Before engaging in sexual intercourse, it is essential to focus on physical and mental conditioning to ensure harmony between Yin and Yang. Taoist sexual techniques view sexual activity as a path of cultivation, not merely sensual pleasure; the aim is to achieve health and longevity through the mutual replenishment of Yin and Yang.

Choosing a partnerChoose a partner who is gentle, healthy, and of a suitable age. According to the principle of "yin nourishing yang," men should choose women who are full-figured and gentle; women, on the other hand, can "nourish yin with yang" and choose men who are full of energy. Both parties need to trust each other and avoid situations of coercion or unwillingness, so as not to disrupt the flow of qi.
Environmental arrangementChoose a quiet, clean, and warm room, avoiding drafts. Light incense (such as sandalwood) and play soft music to create a tranquil atmosphere. The bed should be soft, and the lighting should be gentle to facilitate air circulation. The room should be adequately ventilated to keep the air fresh. According to the *Dongxuanzi*, one should face east in spring, south in summer, west in autumn, and north in winter, aligning with the qi of the four seasons.
Physical and mental conditioningSeveral days before intercourse, abstain from spicy and greasy foods, and eat more light fruits and vegetables and qi-tonifying foods (such as sesame seeds and walnuts). Practice meditation or qigong (such as Baduanjin) to regulate breathing and calm the mind. Men can practice the Suoyang Gujing Gong: contract the perineal muscles and lift upwards, persisting to enhance control. Women can practice strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Shower and cleanse the body before intercourse, and wear loose clothing. Both partners should maintain a pleasant physical and mental state, avoiding intercourse when fatigued, hungry, or intoxicated. According to [the relevant regulations/guidelines]...Su Nu JingAccording to the records, "When one is on a long journey, tired, or experiencing great joy or anger, one should not engage in sexual intercourse."
Timing selectionIt is advisable to perform this ritual on a full moon or a clear night, avoiding menstruation, illness, or a state of fatigue. According to Taoist beliefs, the Qi (vital energy) is strongest between 11 PM and 1 AM, making it an auspicious time. Ancient texts record that odd-numbered days are Yang days, and even-numbered days are Yin days; the period from 11 PM to noon is Yang time, and the period from noon to 11 PM is Yin time. Therefore, it is best to choose a Yang day and Yang time to cultivate Yang Qi.

Skills Stage

"The union of Yin and Yang" emphasizes "intercourse without leakage," meaning controlling the release of vital energy during intercourse and achieving mutual complementation through energy circulation. The process is divided into foreplay, intercourse, and aftercare.

Foreplay and caressesBegin with handshakes and caresses. The man can stroke the woman's arms upwards to her breasts, armpits, collarbone, neck, chin, and around her lips to stimulate blood circulation. The woman can gently hold the man's penis and massage it slowly. Both partners take deep breaths and visualize the merging of yin and yang energies. The focus is on arousing desire, but without rushing, continuing for 10-20 minutes until both partners are aroused but have not yet reached orgasm.
Methods of intercourseAdopt a suitable position, such as man on top or woman on top, to facilitate rhythm control. Insertion should be slow, with the man controlling depth and speed, following the...Nine shallow and one deepThe principle. This is one of the basic techniques of sexual arts, which can maintain the pleasure of both partners while controlling the urge to ejaculate. This method helps to prolong intercourse and achieve the goal of "intercourse without ejaculation." The method involves: nine shallow penetrations followed by one deep penetration, repeated in a cycle to stimulate the woman's yin energy. During the process, both partners close their eyes and visualize: the man imagining absorbing the woman's yin essence, circulating...Du MeridianAscending to the brain. Emphasis is placed on "returning essence to nourish the brain"; women imagine absorbing male yang energy, descending along the Ren meridian to the dantian; when men feel their essence surging upwards, they contract their perineum, press their tongue against the roof of their mouth, and guide the energy upwards, avoiding...ejaculationThis is one of the basic techniques of sexual intercourse. By alternating between nine shallow thrusts and one deep thrust, both partners can maintain pleasure while controlling the urge to ejaculate. This method helps prolong intercourse and achieve the goal of "intercourse without ejaculation."
Respiratory regulation: Proper breathing techniques are crucial for controlling ejaculation. According to the "Dongxuanzi," when one feels that ejaculation is about to occur, one should "close one's eyes and focus inward, press one's tongue against the roof of one's mouth, sit back and pull one's head back, open one's nose and shrink one's shoulders, and inhale through one's mouth." This method can help control the loss of semen.
Energy exchangeWhen reaching the "bottom climax" (i.e., an orgasm without ejaculation), both partners breathe in unison. The man absorbs the woman's yin essence to replenish his yang, and the woman absorbs the man's yang essence to replenish her yin. Techniques include: the man remaining still during the woman's orgasm, feeling the energy flow; the woman guiding the energy circulation through pelvic contractions. Intercourse should not be too long; beginners should limit it to 20-30 minutes.
Mind control: The art of sexual intercourse emphasizes the control of the mind. During intercourse, one should maintain focus and avoid excessive excitement. Through meditation and guided intention, sexual energy is transformed into life energy.
Subsequent Qi CirculationAfter intercourse, do not separate immediately. Lie quietly for a while, with both partners' palms facing each other, and perform the Small Heavenly Circuit exercise: starting from the perineum, go up along the spine to the top of the head, then down along the chest and abdomen to the Dantian, repeating several times to preserve the essence and qi.

Precautions

Taoist sexual techniques are not a path to indulgence; excess will harm the body. The following are key warnings:

Age restrictions: According to the book *Dongxuanzi*, "If a man's age is twice that of a woman, the woman will suffer; if a woman's age is twice that of a man, the man will suffer." A large age gap can be harmful to both parties; therefore, it is advisable to choose a partner of similar age.
Frequency control: While traditional Chinese sexual techniques emphasize frequent intercourse, this does not mean it should be done without restraint. The frequency of intercourse should be reasonably controlled based on factors such as age and physical condition.
Control frequencyDepending on age, those in their 20s can have sex every 3-4 days, while those over 40 should have sex every 7-10 days. Pay attention to your partner's physical condition and avoid exhaustion for one of them.
Health monitoringIf dizziness, lower back pain, palpitations, or other symptoms occur, stop immediately and seek medical attention. Pregnant women and those who are ill or infirm are prohibited from participating. Participation is entirely voluntary and there is no coercion.
Psychological balanceView intercourse as a form of spiritual practice, not conquest. Avoid focusing on techniques and emphasize mental unity. A restless mind can easily lead to stagnation of Qi.
TaboosAvoid sexual intercourse after drinking alcohol, eating a full meal, or when angry. Women should avoid intercourse during menstruation or postpartum. Practice should be gradual; beginners can consult a master or read classic texts such as the *Su Nu Jing* or *Yu Fang Mi Jue*.

According to the *Su Nu Jing* (Classic of the Plain Girl), sexual intercourse is not advisable in cases involving "nine calamities":

Stormy rain
Thunder and lightning
Lunar and solar eclipses
earthquake and landslide
unusual celestial phenomena
severe cold and scorching heat
After getting drunk
When full
Physical fatigue

Through the above practices, one can achieve a balance of Yin and Yang, strengthen the body, and prolong life. However, sexual techniques are supplementary; they must be combined with diet, exercise, and meditation to see results. From a modern physiological perspective, some practices in sexual techniques may have a scientific basis. For example, controlling ejaculation can reduce the burden on the prostate and help maintain the balance of sex hormones.

in conclusion

Taoist sexual techniques, specifically the concept of "intercourse between yin and yang," are an important part of ancient Chinese health culture, possessing a profound theoretical foundation and rich practical experience. From the unearthed documents of the Mawangdui silk manuscripts to the records in classical texts throughout history, from its emergence in the pre-Qin period to its peak in the Sui and Tang dynasties, sexual techniques have undergone a long development process, forming a unique theoretical system and practical methods.

The core of bedroom arts lies in "Yin and Yang HarmonyThrough proper sexual intercourse, one can achieve harmony between body and mind. Its emphasis on concepts such as "intercourse without ejaculation," "absorbing yin to replenish yang," and "absorbing yang to replenish yin" reflects Taoism's profound understanding of the essence of life. At the same time, the art of the bedroom emphasizes moderation and restraint; it is not about unrestrained indulgence, but rather about using sexual activity as a method of health cultivation.

From a modern medical perspective, some practices in traditional Chinese sexual techniques may have a scientific basis, but they also carry potential risks. Therefore, we should approach these techniques with a scientific attitude, taking the best aspects and discarding the worst, inheriting traditional culture while combining it with modern medical knowledge to explore more scientific and healthy sexual lifestyles.

In conclusion, Taoist sexual techniques, as an important legacy of traditional Chinese culture, not only possess significant historical and cultural value but also offer valuable insights for modern health and wellness. We should conduct in-depth research, rationally absorb their beneficial components, and serve the physical and mental health of modern people.

Further reading:

Dongxuanzi said: Of all things created by Heaven, humans are the most precious. The greatest advantage humans possess is through sexual desire, which follows the patterns of Heaven and Earth, and regulates Yin and Yang. Those who understand its principles nourish their nature and prolong their lives; those who neglect its true nature harm their spirit and shorten their lives.

As for the methods of the Mysterious Woman, passed down through the ages, their general outlines are presented, yet their subtleties remain unexplained. I have often perused these texts, seeking to fill in the gaps, and through studying the old rituals, I have compiled this new scripture. Though I have not grasped its pure essence, I have obtained its dregs. Its postures of sitting, lying down, stretching, curling, reclining, and opening...^[1]The principles of expansion, the methods of turning left and right, the rules of entering and exiting, and the depth of movement, all align with the principles of Yin and Yang and the numbers of the Five Elements. Those who follow these principles will preserve their lives, while those who deviate from them will fall into danger and perish. Since this benefits ordinary people, how could it not be passed down through generations?

Dongxuanzi said: Heaven rotates to the left and earth to the right; spring and summer fade and autumn and winter arrive; man sings and woman harmonizes; the upper leads and the lower follows—this is the natural order of things. If the man moves and the woman does not respond, or the woman moves and the man does not follow, it not only harms the man but also the woman. This is because the movement of yin and yang is completely disordered. Such a union is detrimental to both; therefore, the man must turn to the left and the woman to the right, the man must descend and the woman must ascend to meet. Only in this way can heaven and earth be in balance.

All depths^[2]The principles of speed and direction are not singular; they involve countless factors. One should be like a crucian carp nibbling at a hook, or like a flock of birds encountering the wind, moving forward and backward, pulling and pulling, moving up and down, left and right, coming and going, sometimes close and sometimes distant. This is how to maintain balance and accomplish tasks, adapting to circumstances and not rigidly adhering to fixed rules to achieve immediate results.

At the first meeting, the man sits to the woman's left, and the woman to the man's right. The man sits with his legs spread wide, embracing the woman in his arms. Then, he tightens his belt, caresses her breasts, and they exchange sweet nothings, expressing their deepest desires. Their hearts are united, their embraces and embraces are intertwined, their bodies pressed together, their lips uttering sweet nothings. The man takes the woman's lower lip into his mouth, the woman takes his upper lip into hers, and they suckle, savoring each other's saliva. He gently nibbles her tongue, he lightly licks her lips, he invites her to embrace his head, she avoids his advances, he touches her ear, he strokes her upper and lower lips, and they sip sweet nothings.^[3]West. Qianjiao, having expressed her feelings and resolved all her anxieties, instructed the woman to hold the man's jade stem with her left hand, while the man caressed the woman's jade gate with his right. Thereupon, the man felt the yin energy.^[4]Then the jade stem vibrates, its shape rising sharply upwards, like a solitary peak overlooking the distant Milky Way; the woman senses the yang energy.^[5]Then the saliva in the cinnabar cave flows, its form a gentle, trickling downward flow, like a secluded...^[6]The spring flows into the deep valley. This is due to the interaction of Yin and Yang, not something that can be achieved by human effort. Only when the conditions reach this point can intercourse occur. If a man does not feel arousal, or a woman does not produce vaginal fluid, it is because the illness originates internally and manifests externally.

Dongxuanzi said: "At the beginning of intercourse, one should first sit, then lie down, with the woman on the left and the man on the right. After lying down, the woman should lie face up, legs outstretched and arms extended. The man should kneel on top of her, his penis erect at the entrance of her vagina, standing tall and imposing like a reclining pine tree before a deep valley. He should also make sounds and suck his tongue. He should look up at her face, down at her vulva, caress her breasts, and stroke her clitoris. Then, the man will be aroused, and the woman will be confused, and he will attack her with his penis. He will thrust downwards into her vagina, upwards into her vulva, striking her beside her vulva, and resting to her right. This is the external act, before internal intercourse."

When a woman's vaginal fluids are abundant in her dantian, she should insert her yang essence into her uterus and quickly ejaculate. The fluids will flow together, flowing upwards to the scrotum and downwards to the vagina.^[7]The valley, through repeated thrusting and rubbing, caused the woman to plead for life and death, begging for sex and her life. She was then wiped dry with a silk cloth. Afterwards, the jade stem was deeply inserted into the cinnabar cave, reaching the yang sac, which felt as if a giant rock embraced a deep stream. Then, nine shallow thrusts were made.^[8]The method of depth. Thus, one uses vertical and horizontal strokes, sideways pulling and tugging, sometimes slow, sometimes fast, varying the depth.^[9]After 21 breaths of waiting^[10]The woman was pleased with herself as she came and went.

The man swiftly thrust forward, raising his spear high.^[11]When the woman wavers, take advantage of her pace and thrust your yang energy into her uterus, grinding it from side to side. There's no need for gentle withdrawal. When the woman's fluids begin to flow, the man must withdraw immediately. He must not return alive; he must return alive. If he dies, it will greatly harm the man, so extreme caution is advised.

Dongxuanzi said: The methods of assessment and handover are no more than thirty. These include bending and stretching, bowing and raising, and shallow entry and exit.^[12]Deep and vast are the same, small and subtle are different; it can be said to encompass everything, leaving nothing out. Therefore, I have recorded its name based on its form, and established its title based on its shape:

one,Planning.

two,Shen Qianqian。不离㪚也。

three,Dried-gill fish.

Four,Qilin HornApart from the four aforementioned skills, all other games are of the highest caliber.

five,Silkworm entwiningThe woman lies on her back with both hands wrapped around the man's neck, and her legs crossed on the man's back. The man holds the woman's neck with both hands, kneels between the woman's thighs, and inserts his penis.

six,Dragon TurnsThe woman lies on her back with her legs bent. The man kneels between her thighs, pushes her legs forward with his left hand so that they are past her breasts, and inserts his penis into her vagina with his right hand.

seven,flounderThe man and woman lie down, the woman places one foot on top of the man, facing each other, and sucks her tongue. The man spreads his legs, uses his hands to support the woman's foot, and inserts his penis.

eight,Yan TongxinThe woman lies on her back with her legs spread out. The man straddles her belly, holding her neck with both hands, while the woman holds the man's waist with both hands. The man inserts his penis into her vagina.

Nine,JadeiteThe woman lies supine with her legs clenched, while the man kneels.^[13]He sat on the woman's thighs, holding her waist with both hands, and inserted his jade stem into the strings of the zither.

ten,Mandarin DucksThe woman lies on her side with her legs clenched and placed on the man's thighs. The man then straddles the woman from behind, placing one knee on the woman's upper thigh and inserting his penis.

eleven,Flipping ButterflyThe man lies supine with his legs outstretched, while the woman sits on top of him, her legs braced against the bed. She then uses her hands to assist in penetrating his penis into his vagina.

twelve,BackflyThe man lies on his back with his legs spread out, while the woman sits on top of him from behind, her feet resting on the bed. She lowers her head and embraces the man's penis, inserting it into her vagina.

Thirteen,Rampant PineThe woman crosses her legs and faces upwards, while the man holds her waist with both hands, and the woman holds the man's waist with both hands, inserting his penis into her vagina.

fourteen,Lintan BambooThe man and woman stood facing each other, embracing each other with their mouths open, and thrust their yang essence deep into the dantian, disappearing into the yang cun.

fifteen,Luan Shuang WuThe man and woman, one lying face up and the other face down, the one lying face up uses fists and kicks, the one facing down rides on top, their genitals facing each other, the man sitting on a jade object, attacking from above and below.

sixteen,Phoenix ChicksThe woman was large and fat, and she had intercourse with a small boy; this was quite a sight.

17.Seagulls soarThe man sits beside the woman, holding her legs up to make her lift them, and then inserts his penis into her uterus.

eighteen,Wild Horse LeapThe woman lies on her back, the man lifts her legs and places them on his shoulders, then deeply inserts his penis into her vagina.

nineteen,full of energyThe woman lies on her back, the man squats, holds her neck with his left hand and supports her feet with his right, and then inserts his penis into her uterus.

twenty,Horses rockingThe woman lies on her back, the man lifts one of her legs and places it on his shoulder, then climbs up with his other leg and deeply inserts his jade stem into her cinnabar cave, a great pleasure indeed.

21.White Tiger SoaringThe woman kneels with her face down, and the man kneels behind her, holding her waist with both hands, and inserts his penis into her womb.

22.Xuan Chan FuThe man instructed the woman to lie face down with her legs outstretched, while he positioned himself between her thighs, bent her legs, and held her neck with both hands. He then inserted his penis into her vagina from behind.

23.Goats to treesThe man sits with his legs spread apart, and the woman sits on top of him from behind. The woman looks down at her penis, and the man quickly hugs her waist and tightens his grip.

24.Kunji on the sceneThe man squatted on the bed, ordering a young girl to hold his penis and insert it into her vagina. Another girl pulled on the hem of the woman's robe from behind, making him feel pleasure. How arousing!

25.Phoenix in the Danxue CaveThe woman lies on her back with her hands lifting her legs. The man kneels behind her, supports himself on the bed with his hands, and inserts his penis into her vagina. It is very beautiful.

26.Xuanming PengzhuThe man has the woman lie on her back, takes her legs and places them on his left and right shoulders, then uses his hands to hold her waist and inserts his penis inside her.

27.The monkey clings to the treeThe man sits with his legs spread wide, and the woman rides on top of him, embracing him with both hands. The man uses one hand to support the woman's buttocks, inserting his penis inside her, while using the other hand to support himself on the bed.

28.Cat and mouse in the same holeThe man lies supine with his legs outstretched, and the woman lies on top of him, deeply inserting her penis. Alternatively, the man lies on top of the woman's back, thrusting his penis into her vagina.

29.Three Spring DonkeysThe woman rested on the bed with both hands and feet, while the man stood behind her, holding her waist with both hands, and then inserted his jade penis into her jade gate, which was very large and beautiful.

thirty,Autumn DogThe man and woman stand back to back, with both hands and feet on the bed, their buttocks touching. The man then lowers his head and pushes the jade object into the jade gate with one hand.